The contents of one pitcher (S. alata) were extracted. Upon
examination,
the contents were observed to be mostly house flies and one rather large
moth. Other pitchers have been observed to contain spiders, wasps,
crane flies and ants. We expected to find the contents immersed in
liquid that we intended to analyze. The contents turned out to be
only slightly moist, making direct testing difficult. To extract
material for testing, 2 cc of the decomposing contents of the pitcher were
diluted in 5 cc H2O and allowed to soak
for 5 minutes. The resulting brew was extracted and subjected to
a dip-stick test. These results can only indicate trends and do not
reflect actual values due to the diluting of pitcher secreted fluids in
the water.

Chemical Analysis:

Blood: +++pH: 6.5Protein: traceNitrite: +Leukocytes: trace

Fluid extracted from Sarracenia purpurea:

The pitchers of S. purpurea are open vertically and collect rain
water.
Examination of pitchers did not reveal any insects present.